HyVee Face-to-Face-Farm

Jacobs sheep

Horns of Plenty

The most distinguishing feature of Jacobs sheep is their impressive horns. Like some other sheep, both rams (males) and ewes (females) have horns. They generally have one or two pairs, but some Jacobs sheep have six horns! The ram’s horns can reach 30 inches or more, while ewe’s horns are shorter and more delicate.

“Shear” Desire

Jacobs sheep wool is light, easy to spin and contains little lanolin (a waterproofing substance). People who spin wool into yarn or string love Jacobs sheep wool. Approximately 5-10 pounds of wool is collected off each of the Zoo’s animals each year. The annual trim helps keep them cool in the summer.